The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1887-08-02
ISsTRucTISc TINE FISHERMEN.
Admiral Luce Tells What They May
and May Not DO.
Captain Scott Makes Answer to
the AdnIra's Questions.
a Communication to the Portland
Fish Dealers.

HALIFAX, N. s., Aug. 1.-Admiral Steph-
en- u. Luce has been interviewed by re-
porter who called upon the officer on board
the Flagship Richmond. of the North Allan
Tic Squadron Of the United States Navy.
Admiral Luce has given great deal Of at
tention to the rights o. American fishermen
under the treaties and Canadian law. He
said:
Certainly there Is no doubt American
nsnermen must regard the obligations OF the
treaty OF 1873. Fishing within three miles
on shore Is strictly prohibited, ami our yes
sells are also not allowed 10 enter any Of the
Canadian harbOrs, unless Il be for the pur-
pose Of obtaining cJal. wood or water or In
case they are compelled 10 by the stress Of
weather. IL American vessels abide by this,
no harm can befall them. But as soon as
they violate any OF these orders, they are IL
able TO seizure by Canadian cruisers, and
they must not expect any protection from
our people. The moment an American fish
erman Is compelled, for any Of the above
reasons, 20 enter Canadian harbor. then
IL Is MS duty 70 repair at once tO the nearest
custom house and report himself there, also
whenever ne IS ready 10 leave again."
Haye you taken any measures In order TO
Instruct our fishermen as what they
are 70 do2. asked the reporter.
nave, said the Admiral; "the Galena
ana Ossipee have been out among the Amer
lean heet and have visited the fishermen In
the Gulf Of st. Lawrence, and the corvette
1antle Is there now. / have instructed the
captains OF those vessels to talk 10 our fish
erInen, and caution them 10 comply strictly
with the requirements Of the treaty, and 10
inform them that they must not expect any
protection from Us II they choose to violate
Canadian custom laws or the requirements
as set forth In the treaty"
The highest authority on the Canadian
SIDE In regard to the difficult problem Of the
fishery question Is Captain Scott, of the Roy
al Navy, who has charge OF the fishing busi-
ness. To him Admiral Luce went some few
days ago and asked him number OF ques-
lions Tor the purpose Of ascertaining his
views OF the matter These questions and
answers the Admiral has caused 10 be print
ed, and each vessel OF war as she proceeds
on the Banks and up the Gulf Of St. Law
renee carries large supply Of copies, which
are to be given to the American fishermen.
This paper Is as follows:
1-Are there any Canadian ports where Amerl-
can vessels engaged In fishing may replensh their
STOCK OF provisions, and Il so name them? A.
MOI any; but In the autumn, when American nsh-
home they are permitted 10 taks e." sueh as thsy %
may require for that purpose only.
2-Will II be insisted upon that every American
fisherman anchored IN port or other places on the
coast for shelter only must enter and clear at the
nearest custom house? A.-At all times when
practicable 70 do so; but II at an incOnvenlent dis
present. her captain will enter and clear IN ose
that Apply.
3.-What construction Is placed by Canadian
officials ON the word repairs" as expressed In
the treaty Of 1918? That Is. may a fisherman, who
needs repairs 20 his rigging, enter port 10 buy
thing on board such vessels necessary TO a com
pletc fishing yesses2. lA.-This must be left 70 tho
discretion Of the Coectorof Customs or to the cap
4.-Are Canadian oflclals Instructed TO restrict
Americans to certain ports In the bay OF chaleuf
and Gaspe for wood. water and repairs, and Il 50,
what ports thew A-Tho Raw 0f Gnaiaur
closed TO American fishermen with the exception
OF Port Daniel and MscOu harbors, which are
water, shelter or repairs. But when medical aid
Is required, they tnay 20 10 Paspebac for that
purpose only. Gaspe Is not closed, but American
N shernen can only enter for either Of the four
fhIpgs mentioned In the treaty.
Il TIM, :, - agdalen Islands being excepted blythe
treaty stipuation nom tne fe9triesions y, e aRged,
that American nshermen 10y az those Islands
ship fish In bond 10 the United sts, % tesea'c sae
and barrels from the United States m<.ans irodsKr
the convention American fishermen can only tals.S.
cure and dry fish at the Magdalens under the re.
SUI s.Iie.lons sReclned IN me treaty; therefore, can
plies.
e.-Are the Dominion cruisers authorized TO en-
Yer and clear vessels Ia the same manner as Col
lectors Of CustomsP They are where no collector
OF customs Is present. See answer 10 No. q
HALIFAX, N. s.. July 20, 1887.
A number Of the leading fishing merchants
IA OAtldnu, 1lcss duuftoStu lcILtr 10 AQ-
miral Luce, begging him to inform them
what they could expect from the Canadians
in regard to the treaty obligations. In ans
wer TO their request, Admiral Luce has writ
ten the following letter. inclosing copy CT
the queries submitted by him 10 Capt. Scott,
and Capt. Scott's answers thereto.
NORTH ATLANTIC STATION,
U. 5. FLAGSHIP RICHMOND, 2D RATE,
HALIFAX, N. g., July 80, 1887.
To the rushing Merchants Of cortland Me-
Gentlemen: In reply 10 your esteemed favor Of
July ID. | have the honor TO inelOse herewith a
series Of questions and answers which l think
fully cover the ground on which you seek 10 be
informed. l may state briefly in addition, thar
tue Canadian courts have already decided that
the presence OF an American fisherman inside the
three-mile-limlt, and not on his way 10 obtain
necessary wood water, repairs or shelter, Is prl-
ma iace evidence Of his intention to violate trea-
" obligations by fishing Il have caused copies OF
the inclosed paper to Be distributed among the
vessels Of our fishing fleet in the Gulf Of ST. Law
renee, In order u at fishermen operating In these
waters may be fully informed as TO their privi-
leges and the statutory restrictions.
Very respectfully,
=. b. LUCE,
Rear Admiral Commanding Naval Force on North
Atlantic Station.